Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Arteta a flop? You should be a pessimist of the highest order.

Mikel Arteta since his deadline day signing for Arsenal has cemented his position in Gunner's side, which has seen one of the most dramatic comebacks of recent Football history. Arteta in an Arsenal's 4-2-3-1 is playing in a position left by the injury to Arsenal's yougest legend Jack Wilshere.

Identity crisis?

Arteta often referred as "Poor Man's Fabregas", was considered a panic buying by the usual anti-Arsenal media, who has, so far, silenced his critics and has been a major factor in Arsenal's resurgence.

I personally consider him as Wenger's yet an other master signing, The problem is him drawing comparison to Cesc Fabregas for the role he played for David Moyes Everton. Its unfair that, one of the very few solid players who have led you to a resounding comeback after a horrific start to the campaign being criticized as a player who, "Slows down the game", "chooses safe side passing" and "not creative enough behind RVP".

Arteta along with Song have been deployed as pivote, or deep lying midfielder with defensive responsibilities, which explains Arsenal drastic improvement in defense over the last few years, he reminds me of Xavi at world cup last year, boring I described Xavi, but Arteta is doing a fantastic job, keeping possession, letting the players around him settle and get into rhythm. He gives Ramsey and Song freedom to create something out of the game, and Arteta facing the creative burden is unjustified as I think its more of Ramsey's duty to do so.

It will be interesting to see the line-up after Jack's return from injury.

And for today's game, Gunner's take on Aston Villa at Villa Park, hoping to get back to winning ways, after an unlucky, referee blaming loss to Arabs.

Aston Villa have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 6 fixtures, while the Gunners have only lost once and drawn once in the last 6 games.

Arsenal are without Song (Suspended) and Djourou (Injury) from their last game.